Virat Kohli’s already impressive CV just got even more impressive, as the India skipper made the most of flat Nagpur pitch and a sub-standard bowling performance, slamming his fifth Test double century in the ongoing second Test against Sri Lanka.
After blazing to his fifty off just 66 balls on the second day, the 29-year old started the proceedings in the same manner on the third day and looked in a good touch right from the word go. He reached his 19th Test century off just 130 balls. And as soon as he reached the three-digit mark, he registered his name in the record books once again.
The century is his tenth this year, and it made him the captain with most hundreds in a calendar year. The record was held by Ricky Ponting and Graeme Smith who had scored nine hundred in a calendar year. Ponting had managed the feat on two occasions in consecutive years, in 2005 and 2006 while Smith did it in 2005.
Kohli also went past the legendary Sunil Gavaskar to become the India skipper with most Test centuries. Kohli has now scored 12 Test hundreds as a skipper while Gavaskar had scored 11. And even after scoring the century and breaking a couple of major batting records, he did not slow down and went on to compile a double century off 259 deliveries with the help of 15 fours and a couple of sixes.
In the process, Kohli also equalled Brian Lara’s record of most double centuries as captain. With Kohli making the most of his form and playing yet another memorable knock, social media didn’t miss the chance to congratulate the batsman for his outstanding feat.
Here is how Twitter reacted to the sublime knock from the India skipper:
Wherever you are, stand up and applaud!#INDvSL pic.twitter.com/xx7znzwjse
— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) November 26, 2017
Congratulations Virat Kohli on your 5th Test double hundred. Been a joy to watch this effortless knock. Vijay, Pujara were brilliant and Rohit looking good as well. #IndvSL
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) November 26, 2017
https://twitter.com/FirstCric/status/934720567940300800
For the 5th time in his career, Virat Kohli has a double century. Stunning. He made it look easy.#IndvsSL Live: https://t.co/UXTCS2qiRP pic.twitter.com/wrqatCz1WC
— The Field (@thefield_in) November 26, 2017
SL may be a weak team.. but still scoring 200 isn't a cake walk.. against any side. Though his 100 in last match > this 200 or even 300.
— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) November 26, 2017
Here It Is. 5th Test Double Century For Virat Kohli. Admit It, He Scores It So Effortlessly Even Double Ton Looks So Small In Front Of His Stature. ???#Legend #ViratKohli #INDvSL #INDvsSL pic.twitter.com/tqGUZPDeRp
— Sir Jadeja fan (@SirJadeja) November 26, 2017
https://twitter.com/TenniceFan/status/934720520012013569
Double for Virat Kohli.
More trouble for Sri Lanka.Aa @bhogleharsha said, Kohli has records for breakfast.
— Nikhil ? (@CricCrazyNIKS) November 26, 2017
https://twitter.com/Cricrajeshpk/status/934719563790401536
On Kohli scoring double centuries at home,@bhogleharsha: “It’s not that someone couriered the runs when you’re playing at home.”
— Sameer Allana (@HitmanCricket) November 26, 2017
And the man does it again, makes batting look ridiculously easy. 50th double century for India in Test cricket and the man has his 5th in quick time. Salute Virat Kohli
#INDvSL— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) November 26, 2017
Virat Kohli's Daily Schedule:
?Wake Up
?Eat
?Hit Half-Century/Century/Double Century
?Sleep
?Repeat#IndvsSL #INDvSL #ViratKohli— Sir Jadeja fan (@SirJadeja) November 26, 2017
https://twitter.com/TenniceFan/status/934721814063824896
Double century number five for Virat Kohli, all coming as Captain! This one looked easier compared to the others #INDvSL #Virat200
— Nishad Pai Vaidya (@NishadPaiVaidya) November 26, 2017
5th double hundred already, from Virat. Doing what greats do, but quicker. ?
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) November 26, 2017